Centres
The following centres of DVK aim at promoting research and specialization in various academic fields. They also conduct Certificate and Diploma Courses.
1. ATMODAYA: CENTRE FOR PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
This centre undertakes studies on current issues and insights in the field of psycho-spiritual development. Courses and researches are conducted on the contributions made by Indian traditions to this study, in particular, the psycho-physical aspects of yoga, and the paranormal phenomena which prevail on the subcontinent.
Director: Dr. Mathew Maniampra, CMI
2. CENTRE FOR BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (CBTS)
This centre is committed to foster research in Sacred Scripture. Special courses and projects on Biblical and Theological studies are conducted at this centre. The following courses are offered: (i) Week-end diploma course in Bible and theology for laity and religious and (ii) Residential Summer Course in Bible for the laity and religious.
Director: Dr. Lucose Chamakala, CMI
Associate Director: Dr. Sebastian Mullooparampil, CMI
3. CENTRE FOR DALIT SOLIDARITY (CDS)The mainstream culture of Indian society supported by the great Sanskrit tradition appears to move with a mono-cultural and mono-religious nationalism. Centre for Dalit Solidarity, established on 14 July 1997, aims at preserving and promoting the cultural, social, and religious diversities of the tribals, aboriginals, dalits, and other ethnic and religious minorities preserved in what is known as little traditions, to nurture the pluralistic spirit of Indian civilization.
Director: Fr. Francis Aykaraparampil, CMI
4. CENTRE FOR EASTERN AND INDIAN CHRISTIAN STUDIES (CEICS)
The purpose of this centre is the promotion of the study and research of the rich religious heritage of Eastern and Indian theological traditions. The centre offers lectures and courses to serve this purpose.
Director: Prof. Dr. Francis Thonippara, CMI
5. CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF WORLD RELIGIONS (CSWR)
In order to foster inter-religious dialogue in the context of India’s religious pluralism, Dharmaram instituted in 1971 a Centre for the Study of World Religions. This centre offers special lectures, seminars, courses, prayer meetings (Fellowship in Religious Experience: FIRE), etc., with a view to promote better understanding among various traditions. Researches into the diverse problems of the pluralistic religious situation in India are also undertaken. The Centre publishes the Journal of Dharma (Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies).
Director: Dr. Jose Nandhikkara, CMI
Associate Director: Dr. Jojo Parecattil, CMI
Email: cswrdirector at dvk dot in
6. CENTRE FOR WOMEN STUDIES (CWS)
This centre, attached to the Faculty of Theology, is established in order to promote the dignity and rights of women, and to empower them both in the society and in the Church, by means of research, seminars, courses, and publication of relevant literature.
Director: Dr. Pushpa Joseph, FMM
7. DHARMARAM INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES (DIL)
Dharmaram Institute of Languages, instituted in June 2009, offers courses in Classical as well as modern languages.
Director: Dr. Sebastian Mullooparambil, CMI
Associate Director: Dr. Joy Philip Kakkanattu, CMI
8. DHARMARAM ACADEMY OF DISTANCE EDUCATION (DADE)
DVK has launched DADE, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of Dharmaram, with the following objectives: to make theological, philosophical, and religious studies easily accessible to the general public; to disseminate knowledge to a greater number of seekers in a non-seminary context; to impart theological, philosophical and religious studies with a harmonious synthesis of the Indian, Eastern, and Western genius; to promote mature Christian leadership among the laity through intellectual and faith formation; and to help people of other faiths to know Christianity and its basic worldview. DADE offers PG Diploma courses in the following disciplines: (1) Philosophy, (2) Theology, (3) Biblical Studies, (4) Spiritual Theology, (5) Counselling Psychology, (6) Legal Studies (7) Thomas Christian Studies, (8) Study of Religions, (9) Eastern and Indian Christian Spirituality, and (10) Formative Spirituality.
Director: Dr. George Edayadiyil, CMI
Associate Director: Dr. James Mathew Pampara, CMI
Email: director at dade dot in; dade at dvk dot in; Tel: 080-41116227
9. CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (CES)
The great visionary who planned and started Dharmaram Campus, late Bishop Jonas Thaliath of happy memories, had a vision of harmony of life as the foundational source as well as the goal of Christian mission. In tune with this vision, he had masterminded Dharmaram in such a way that nature was nurtured all through her existence and mission. As the Faculty of Philosophy has evolved out of the pioneering vision of Bishop Jonas, during the celebration of the silver jubilee of the Faculty of Philosophy (2009), the Centre for Environmental Studies was established under the Faculty of Philosophy. CES offers various programmes to the academic fraternity of DVK as well as to the public with a focus on conscientizing all on the importance of nature and the need to protect and enhance the environment. CES offers an annual lecture series, titled “Paul Wiegelmann Annual Lecture on Environmental Studies,” by a renowned scholar or activist from the field of ethics or environmental studies and publishes its proceedings in the form of a book.
Director: Fr. John Neelankavil, CMI
9. CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON KURIAKOSE ELIAS CHAVARA
Centre for Research on Kuriakose Elias Chavara aims at promoting serious study and research on the person and contributions of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The Centre focuses on deeper research in the areas of the enlightened personality of Blessed Chavara, his integrated vision, multi-dimensional spirituality, manifold contributions, future-oriented and the prophetic steps he took to radically change the society and culture of his times. Being a man of God and a visionary he founded the CMI and CMC religious congregations for the integral growth and uplift of the society, and initiated effective movements that opened up new avenues for the extraordinary development of the Church and society. Rooted in space and time, Blessed Chavara transcended them to pave the way for the establishment of a new culture in India infused by the Christian values. The Centre for Research on Kuriakose Elias Chavara would facilitate better understanding on the person of Blessed Chavara and would initiate programmes to inculcate the values he had cherished in life and mission.
Director: Dr. Shaji George Kochuthara, CMI
Associate Director: Fr. Benny Nalkara, CMI
10. JNANODAYA
This centre, meant exclusively for junior sisters, is for the purpose of giving a one year diploma course in Religious Sciences. The centre runs its regular classes in collaboration with the CMC Sisters at their Study House, Jnanodaya, on the DVK Campus.
Directress: Sr. Rogit, CMC
Superior: Sr. Roselit, CMC